Encompassing coast, country and cities, not to mention history dating back to the Romans and artistic inspiration that has inspired the likes of Turner and Tracey Emin. With all of that in mind, why wouldn't you want to go on a spa break in Kent?
Obviously there's way more than five hidden gems to discover in Kent, but to give you a flavour of what this beautiful part of the UK has to offer, here are five of our top suggestions.
Perhaps one of the most famous sites in Kent, Hever Castle was the childhood home of the ill-fated Anne Boleyn. Encompassing 700 years of history, the 13th-century double-moated estate is tragically romantic and achingly beautiful. Explore the award-winning gardens, experience seasonal events, and take part in activities ranging from boating to archery depending on the time of year.
Founded by St Augustine in 597 AD, Canterbury Cathedral embodies 1400 years of history and is the legendary site of Thomas Becket's martyrdom. In addition to awe-inspiring architecture its story is told through words and masons marks, and it remains the Mother Church of the worldwide Anglican Communion, seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, UNESCO World Heritage Site, and resting place of royalty and saints.
In the town where Tracy Erin grew up, Dreamland is a vintage fairground turned one of the coolest venues in Kent, complete with Banksy's artwork, Valentine's Day Mascara. Traditional rides, food and even festival-style music events, it's on the site of what's considered to be one of the oldest-surviving amusement parks in Great Britain. This fairground dates back to the British railway boom of the early 1870s when, in its original form, the ‘Hall by the Sea’ was operated by the famous circus impresario ‘Lord’ George Sanger.
Not far from Margate, Broadstairs is a little gem of its own. A favourite destination of Charles Dickens (they have a festival in his honour and you can still visit his holiday home, Bleak House). In addition, its famous Botany Bay Beach is worth the trip, known for its impressive white cliffs, beautiful chalk stacks and hours of entertainment hunting for fossils and exploring rock pools.
The Historic Dockyard Chatham is the stuff of inspiration. Taking you back to the age of mighty ships that mastered the world's oceans, you can hop on board HMS OCELOT, a Cold War submarine; explore HMS CAVALIER, a Second World War Destroyer and walk the deck of HMS GANNET, their Victorian Sloop. We defy you to leave without a newborn love of ocean adventure.
Why spend a day in Kent when you can visit for the weekend? Add pampering and wellness into your day with one of our top spa hotels.
A grand estate with a renowned spa as part of its facilities, this is a retreat best saved for special occasions. A destination in its own right, the Champneys Spa has world-class facilities and a menu of spa treatments that will leave you feeling truly rejuvenated and rested. With a huge gym, fitness classes and two swimming pools, exercise plays a big part at this retreat, however so too does relaxation, thanks to a hydrotherapy area, beautiful relaxation spaces and decadent treatments from both Elemis and Décleor.
Coastal air and panoramic sea views make this splendid hotel and spa a haven of luxury and relaxation. With space to chill out, there’s an indoor pool and spa area overlooking the patio and gardens, as well as four treatment rooms, a nail bar and relaxation lounge. From expert facials to truly relaxing hot stone massage therapies, the spa menu has something for everyone, best enjoyed before some time out in the secret hot stone relaxation area.
At the Utopia Spa at Rowhill Grange Hotel, indulgence is guaranteed thanks to the sumptuous styling, the facilities on offer and the fact that with 21 treatment rooms to choose from, you know this is a spa that means business. However, intimate moments are assured, thanks to its two floors of pools, monsoon showers and a cosy relaxation room. For couples wanting a dual treatment, the spa menu includes a sensual couples connect massage, as well as a side-by-side massage guaranteed to set the scene for romance.
Sometimes, you deserve some unashamedly decadent treat time and at Brandshatch Place, there are plenty of options to indulge in. From afternoon teas and champagne cocktails in the hotel, the spa has its own café and outdoor eating space, ideally enjoyed with friends. For fitness, there’s tennis, a gym and spin studio at your disposal but for pure relaxation, take a dip in the pool, savour the spa pool and treat yourself to a blissful Elemis massage therapy.
There’s something about sea air that makes you feel invigorated and as this Dover hotel is located next to the beach and overlooking the white cliffs, it’s the ideal setting for a spa break. The invigoration continues in the 24-hour gym, which features the latest equipment for all your workout needs. The spa meanwhile, has seven gorgeous treatment rooms where you can relax into a luxurious Elemis facial or massage and optimise the other wellness facilities which include a sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi.
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